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University of Birmingham

Birmingham, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 16,248
  • Tuition Fee From£ 17,580
  • Country Rank#44
  • Batch Strength32,130
  • Global Diversity24.5%
  • Gender Ratio42:58

Overview

About

The University of Birmingham (informally known as Birmingham University or UOB) is a public research university in Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom. It became the first English municipal or "red brick" university to earn its own royal charter in 1900, succeeding Queen's College, Birmingham (formed in 1825 as the Birmingham School of Medicine and Surgery) and Sir Josiah Mason Science College (opened in 1875). The university's current design was inspired by Cornell University. It is a founding member of the Universitas 21 global network of research universities as well as the Russell Group of British research universities.

 

The university is home to the Cadbury Research Library, Mingana Collection of Middle Eastern manuscripts, Lapworth Museum of Geology, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Shakespeare Institute and a 100-meter Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, which is a prominent landmark visible from many parts of the city. Former British Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin, the British composer Sir Edward Elgar, and eleven Nobel laureates are among the university's professors and graduates. Over 350,000 people worldwide are members of the university’s Alumni Association, including notable individuals like Matthew Goode (Actor) Chris Addison (Comedian) Victoria Wood (Comedienne), and many others.

 
University Name University of Birmingham
Official Website http://www.bham.ac.uk/
Year of Establishment 1900
Average Living Cost £15,898 - £16,398
Total International Students 37,990
Country Rank 44
University Type Public
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Ranking

The University of Birmingham stands as one of the leading institutions in the UK. According to US News & World Report, it maintains a prominent position among UK universities. In its most recent 2023 rankings, the university is placed at 89, signalling an upward trajectory from 2022. In THE (Times Higher Education) University Ranking for 2023, the University of Birmingham holds the 108th spot globally. Additionally, in the QS World University Ranking for 2024, the university is positioned at 84 worldwide. University of Birmingham rankings in 2024 are as follows: 

 

  • QS - World University Ranking: #84
  • The Complete University Guide - University Ranking UK: #14
  • The Guardian - University Rankings: #37
  • Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings: #101

 

Course Rankings:

According to the University of Birmingham's subject ranking for 2023, numerous courses offered by the university are recognised as top-tier globally. In 2023, QS ranked the University of Birmingham's MIM (Masters in Management) programme within the 51-100 range for Accounting & Finance, maintaining its position from 2022. Similarly, the QS Mathematics Rankings placed the university's MS (Masters of Science) programmes in the 101-150 range for 2023. Furthermore, the University of Birmingham's MSN (Masters in Nursing) course secured a global ranking of 51-100 by QS in 2023. Additionally, the university's MS programmes in Engineering and Technology were ranked at 114 in 2023, further demonstrating their popularity and excellence both nationally and internationally. Given below are the University of Birmingham course rankings in 2024: 

 

Business & Management Studies Courses

  • The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK: #19
  • The Guardian - Business and Management: #36
  • The Guardian - Guardian Economics Rankings: #18 

 

Nursing Courses

  • The Complete University Guide - Nursing Rankings: #15

 

Engineering Courses 

  • The Complete University Guide - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering: #8
  • The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering Ranking: #6
  • The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering Ranking: #21
  • The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering: #8
  • The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering Ranking: #12
  • The Guardian - Civil Engineering: #31

 

Medicine & Health Sciences Courses

  • The Complete University Guide - Medicine Rankings: #19
  • The Guardian - Guardian Medicine Rankings: #26 

 

Law Courses 

  • The Complete University Guide - Law Rankings: #22
  • The Guardian - Guardian Law Rankings: #32

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

#91

#89

2022

#90

#89

2021

#90

#91

Facilities

The UOB has two main campuses that span 672 acres at Edgbaston and Sally Oaks. The university also maintains campuses in Stratford-upon-Avon, Ironbridge, Coniston (Cumbria), and Ansty (Coventry). The university also has a well-developed campus in Dubai International Academic City. The university’s campus is constantly buzzing with events and activities. A winter festival held on campus during the winter and a summer ball featuring live music and a fair during the summer are two notable events. Additionally, the university frequently hosts student socials, sporting events, and family fun days. Club evenings, workshops, fairs, debates, and other social events are all regularly scheduled by the Guild of Students. More than 500 student organisations are supported by the Guild of Students at the university. From Acapella, Anime & Manga, Harry Potter, Pokemon, Shakespeare, and kickboxing, to Archeology, Neuroscience, and Psychology, the student organisations and societies cater to a wide spectrum of interests. The university offers 55 sports clubs in addition to ranking in the top 7 in UK university sports. To get a better look into other university’s amenities, here are some more details about the University of Birmingham facilities listed below -

 

  • Modern sports facilities, exercise centres, a student hub, and world-class athletic facilities are all found on the main campus.
  • Renowned pieces by famous artists including Monet, Manet, and Renoir may be found at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. This location hosts activities like lunchtime concerts, evening talks, and literature seminars.
  • One of the first specialised geological museums in the UK is located at the university; it is called the Lapworth Museum of Geology. 
  • A 450-seat theatre in the Bramall Music Building hosts performances all year round, such as concerts and comedy acts.
  • Winterbourne House and Garden, an English botanic garden and heritage site, is another component of the Edgbaston campus.

Notable Alumni

Maurice Hugh Frederick Wilkins
Maurice Hugh Frederick Wilkins
X-ray diffraction
Francis William Aston
Francis William Aston
Inventor (Aston Dark Space)
John Vane
John Vane
Pharmacology (Noble Prize)

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

The University of Birmingham's acceptance rate stands at 46%% with around  37990+ students enrolled at the university, making it the seventh-largest student body in the UK (out of 169). The University of Birmingham acceptance rate is slightly competitive as compared to other universities in its proximity. Given below is a table highlighting different universities’ acceptance rate nearby UOB. 

 

Universities In Proximity To Birmingham University

Acceptance Rate

University of Nottingham

11%

University of Oxford

18% 

University of Liverpool

14%

Cardiff University

20% 

 

 Entry Requirements

UOB accepts admissions for undergraduate programmes through the UCAS system. Candidates can submit their applications directly through the university website for postgraduate programmes. The application fee for undergraduate students is £22 and £50 for postgraduate students. Here are some of the University of Birmingham entry requirements that students need to keep in mind before applying to the university -

 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements:

  • Official academic transcripts from previous institutions
  • Minimum overall academic score of 65% - 70%
  • Mark sheets
  • Academic Letters of Recommendation (LORs) in UK
  • Personal statement
 

Graduate Admission Requirements: 

  • 4-year Bachelor’s degree with a first class or an excellent upper second class
  • Academic Transcripts and degree certificates
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • 2 reference letters or 1 academic letter of recommendation
  • Work samples and research proposal (for research programmes)
  • Resume/CV
  • Passport details, if relevant
 

English Proficiency Test Scores Requirements

To enroll in a programme at the University, you must exhibit a sufficient level of English proficiency. This can be demonstrated through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent qualifications. The table provided below specifies the required grades in IELTS corresponding to the subject area you intend to study. Typically, English tests or qualifications should be taken within two years prior to the start date of your programme.


Level

English Proficiency Scores

Undergraduate

IELTS score of 6.0 - 7.0

Postgraduate

Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and above


Fees

  • Accounting & Finance: £19,320 - £30,001
  • Medical & Pure Sciences: £18,120 - £27,740 
  • Business Management & Entrepreneurship: £18,450 - £31,500
  • Computer Science & Technology: £19,320 - £26,640
  • Nursing & Medicine: £9,810 - £25,740
  • Engineering: £4,596 - £25,740
  • Law & Legal Studies: £18,120 - £21,240
  • Psychology: £18,450 - £23,400

 

 

Scholarship

Given below are some of the scholarships at the University of Birmingham:

 

Scholarship Name

Eligibility

Benefits

Global Masters Scholarship

International students seeking to study a taught masters degree. 

£2,000.00

University of Birmingham India Outstanding Achievement Scholarship 

All Indian undergraduate students. 

£2,500.00

Sanctuary Scholarship

Undergraduate and postgraduate international students.

Full tuition fee waiver and and £5,000 per year of study.

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the University of Birmingham. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal marketplace for international student loans, if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in Birmingham near University of Birmingham that are fully equipped for your needs. These student accommodations offer a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Birmingham is influenced by a number of variables, most of which are influenced by your spending habits and financial situation. To live comfortably in Birmingham, it is recommended to have a monthly budget of between £971 - £1,019 (excluding tuition). Glance through the table below for a detailed rundown of the various expenses that students face -

 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£ 680

On-Campus Accommodation

£ 608

Transportation

£ 60

Food Cost

£ 390

Entertainment

£ 42

Groceries

£ 112

Clothes

£ 70

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,354

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,282

Annual Cost of Living

£ 16,248

 

 

The above data is fetched from Cost of Living in Birmingham on  UniAcco

 

Placements

At the UOB, 85% of students are either working full-time or are enrolled full-time through University of Birmingham placements services. The university’s Career Center provides services such as advice on CVs and job applications, postgraduate career fairs and employer presentations, as well as graduate mentoring skills training, etc. The university also provides one-on-one sessions with career counsellors. Students can prepare independently by using online resources including self-enrolment career development courses and career action planning tools. Students get a chance to study how the knowledge and abilities they are building in the Biomedical Science course are applied to real-world circumstances by participating in the voluntary placement year and summer research study placements given by the course. Research labs, medical communications, and international medical volunteer placements are just a few of the diverse fields in which students have completed internships. At the end of year two, many students also opt to pursue shorter internships during the summer called summer research project placements. In order to assist pay for some of these opportunities, students can also apply for bursaries. During the past two years, many students were given the opportunity to travel to the Université de Tours in France and Tongji Medical College in China for summer research project assignments. 

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